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The purpose of Friday's news conference was to discuss the 23 players named to the World Cup roster. Instead U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann spent most of time answering questions about a player he left off the roster.

"We felt like other players, without naming guys, are a tiny little bit ahead of him," Klinsmann said about Landon Donovan. At 32, Donovan isn't the same player he was a few years ago, Klinsmann said, noting that Donovan's ability to take on players in the box and finish aren't what they once were. While Donovan's passing skills and experience are a plus, the passage of time has eroded other key elements, "which is normal," Klinsmann said.

Klinsmman said Donovan didn't understand the reasons why he was left off. "I tried to lay out the reasons, the technical parts, why this and why this. I hope for his understanding and I hope he stands by us and I can call him, 24/7," the coach said.

Klinsmann emphasized that the seven players cut could be called upon in case of injury. "He took it highly professionally with an amazing composure," Klinsmann said about his discussion with Donovan. "It's a big disappointment. That is expected."

Somewhat surprisingly, Klinsmann did not consult team leaders Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey before making the announcement. "I didn't discuss the selection process with the leaders of the team," Klinsmann said. "You don't want them to be involved in personnel decisions. … At the end of the day (the coaches) are the only ones to look after every one of them."

On Thursday, Donovan responded to the outpouring of support and disbelief on Facebook. "I am very disappointed with today's decision. Regardless, I will be cheering on my friends and teammates this summer, and I remain committed to helping grow soccer in the U.S.in the years to come," he wrote.